Christ > Angels

Paul Hamilton

Exposition of Hebrews • Sermon • Submitted 3 years ago

Hebrews 1:5–14

An Angel

Christ

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Hebrews 1:5-14 > Pray

Jesus is greater! We talked about that last time as we finished up the first paragraph together. Now, the writer takes one idea and really digs in.

Jesus is Greater than the Angels. He ended his initial burst of praise to Jesus with these word in verse 4:

Hebrews 1:4 (ESV) — 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

The man Jesus of Nazareth was raised up victorious, seated at the right hand and is exalted above all powers and dominions, rulers and authorities – becoming as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs!

That’s a common New Testament theme, the risen Lord has been given a name above every name, and before him every knee will bow.

But from there the writer of Hebrews launches into his first point – expanding on the idea that Jesus is Greater than Angels. Now, for us, in our context perhaps that is not a big issue.

In our culture on occasion Angels become a big thing, so this may be an in-road for the gospel to someone is caught up with the idea of Angels,

or part of a conversation with Jehovah’s Witness about Christ as they see Jesus as the Arch Angel Michael – so this may be a helpful place in your Bible to remember if you have that opportunity.

But why did the writer take so much time to make this point originally?

WHY ANGELS? Remember there is an emphasis in this book for Hebrew Christians. And in the Rabbinic Jewish traditions that the Word of God was delivered by Angels – God’s messengers.

We see this in Acts 7, part of Stephen’s defense before he was stoned.

Acts 7:53 (ESV) — 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

So let’s get the big point of the writers initial argument.

The first big point – God spoke long ago through his prophets, but now in these Last days, by his Son. (1-2)

that is still the governing idea.

The angels delivered that first word,

The son who is greater delivers the last… now look ahead to where this is going, and we’ll get here it two weeks, lord willing...

Hebrews 2:2–3 (ESV) — 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,

Now here you see the shape of the argument.

The Writer wants his hearers to pay even closer attention to this word – because it came from CHRIST! If you were convinced by the word from angels and it proved true, how much more should we hold fast to the word from GOD’S SON!

So, the writer is layering arguments from the Old Testament Scriptures to make sure each hearer is powerfully convinced the Christ is greater than all the angels, so we can come and make that point in chapter 2. - So we would HOLD FAST TO THIS WORD!!

That’s why he’s focusing on Angels here.

Now, in our context, we don’t connect Angels with the word of God as closely as the original hearers would have, though that idea is not alien to us.

We have many examples of Angels bringing God’s word to people in the Old Testament and in the New, but we don’t really think that way. We see the Bible as from God - with an immediacy and that is the main thing to get.

But we need to understand this to understand this argument. there is instrumentality in God’s actions - through Angels, and now through HIS SON! that is the point.

and probably why this is less of an issue for us, in the New Covenant we have a immediacy in our relationship with God through his Son, that priviledge is more common to us, but that understanding was still in transition when this written.

HERE we have the WORD of CHRIST the word of the very Son of God—that’s the Point! This is far, far greater! so we take our New Covenant revelation to interpret the rest. So pay attention!! CHRIST IS GREATER THAN ANGELS!!

The writer is going to make his point using pairs of Old Testament references, two references per point, with a conclusion at the end.

I) CHRIST IS SUPERIOR BECAUSE HE IS THE SON

For to which of the Angels did God ever say – “you are my Son, today I have begotten You? That’s a rhetorical question – God never said that to any Angel. He first quotes from Psalm 2: 7

Psalm 2:7 (ESV) — 7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.

A. Christ is the Son by Birth (by begetting)

This psalm has long been associated with the Messiah. The writer to the Hebrews understand this. There was initially written to the king but the fullest application is to the Messiah!

Verse 8 of Psalm 2 makes it clear that All the nations will be his heritage and the ends of the earth his possession!

That is not primarily dealing with David or Solomon or any other earthly king… That is the heritage of the Christ! The greater son of David, and the ultimate king of Israel and the world.

But it is interesting to try and understand what is meant by “today I have begotten you?” Is this referring to his birth as a man? The context in Hebrews, here, is about the ascension – when he was raised above the angels and seated at the right hand of God.

And several other New Testament references also suggest this.

Acts 13:32–33 (ESV) — 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 33 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “ ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’

That is interesting Paul here speaking in Acts, defends the raising of Jesus with his betting. Paul in Romans writes that...

Romans 1:4 (ESV) — 4 [Jesus] was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead...

That resurrection declared his Sonship.

But Robert Martin sees this connection even deeper seeing the begetting referring to Christ becoming the firstborn from the dead.

Colossians 1:18 (ESV) — 18 [Christ] is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

He is Firstborn and in being firstborn from the dead his is preeminent and exalted over all!!

I think this is the best way to think about these words.

Christ was reborn after his death as the first born of the new creation. The first of the new bodies that would never die! He was begotten of God, exalted and supreme: God’s son, displayed clearly for all to see!! No other angel can boast of such!

FF Bruce I think was right when he wrote:

The eternity of Christ’s divine Sonship is not brought into question by this view; the suggestion rather is that he who was the Son of God from everlasting entered into the full exercise of all the prerogatives implied by his Sonship when, after his suffering had proved the completeness of his obedience, he was raised to the Father’s right hand.

His glory is for all to see, now sitting beside the Father, it is clear to see HE IS THE SON! He is the Begotten of God. He is son by birth.

B. Christ is the Son by Covenant

The writer goes on and references 2 Sam 7:14 – “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a Son to me.”

In this reference we see the two fold nature of the Old Testament fulfillment. This was the covenant made with David, when he wanted to build a house for God, but God would not let him. “your son will…”

2 Samuel 7:13–16 (ESV) — 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’ ”

In this covenant some of it clearly points to the earthly kings – when they sin, God will discipline them. Of Course that could not refer to Jesus Christ – the sinless on.

But then the eternal throne – established forever points beyond the earthly kings to the final fulfillment in the Messiah who would be the ultimate ruler!

The great messiah king – son of David referenced in Isaiah 9

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) — 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

That’s not just some regular king – that is GOD BECOME FLESH!

So this reference connects the Son of God to the son of David – covenant King and ruler or all. This is another avenue of argumentation! No angel attains such a position. Or has such a covenant promise

This is really a rich compact theology. The writer uses the references and expects the readers to understand the context and have a deep and powerful response as these truths are piled on. - Not using text out of context!

First point – Jesus is greater than the angels because he is the son!

II) CONTRAST – Angels Are Inferior

Though exalted beings of immense power they are inferior to Christ.

Hebrews 1:6–7 (ESV) — 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”

A. Angels Worship Christ

We first have to deal with a couple questions with the introduction in verse 6.

I think the ESV does the best job here. First question is where do you put the word “again”?

In Greek words move around a little more than in English but so this could mean “when God again brings the first born into the world” referring then to the second coming.

But the commentators I’ve looked at, and the ESV translation is think has it right to use the word again to denote this is just another reference. And again and more -- not making a theological point with that word, he’s just moving his argument along.

This fits the context of the ascension of Christ – exalted and enthroned.

But then the second question is what does it mean when God brings him into the world?

Is this his birth or rebirth? I don’t want to be dogmatic about that but the flow of argument and even the Old Testament reference are looking to the ENTHRONED GOD being worshiped.

The reference is from Deut. 32 – this is Moses’ Song recounting what YHWH the one true God had done for the people of Israel and it ends with these words.

Deuteronomy 32:43 (ESV) — 43 “Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods (ANGELS in Greek OT), for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people’s land.”

AGAIN, we see here, the writer taking and Old Testament text that is about YHWH and applying it to JESUS. This had an initial application regarding God’s work in Israel, but it is fully fulfilled in Christ enthroned and bringing perfect justice to all.

1 Corinthians 15:25–26 (ESV) — 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

The exalted Christ sits now in power and judgment, reigning over the world and he will judge it. And when God exalted him, the angels surrounded him with worship!

This is another text to look at if someone is arguing that Jesus Christ is not God, The Son and YHWH are one.

The simple point the writer is making is to contrast the angels to this glorious one! God doesn’t call them sons, he commands them to worship to Son!

B. Angels Are Christ’s Ministers

Of Angels God says – quoting Psalm 104

Psalm 104:4 (ESV) — 4 he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire.

Simple point – the angels are ministers of Christ. With all their power they do the kings bidding.

You can think of a kings court – with all his ministers – going go do his bidding and accomplish his purposes – take his messages.

We don’t think much of this – but there is a spiritual world all around us, Christ is working and he rules over the spiritual as well as the physical.

The Angels are not equal with Christ, they serve him. They are his messengers, they protect his people, they surround him with worship. He is the glorious one!! That is the point!

But the writer moves quickly to again to Christ. The one who is the SON is he is supreme because he is eternal!!

III) CHRIST IS SUPERIOR BECAUSE HE REIGNS ETERNALLY!

Here the writer uses two longer quotations. The first emphasizes…

A) Christ’s Exalted Reign

Psalm 45:6–7 (ESV) — 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; 7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

This is an interesting one. The Psalm is written to the King – possibly for a wedding.

It is extolling the greatness of the king. But then in verse 6 it shifts. Now the writer is addressing God!

He Rules forever, He rules in righteousness, He loves the righteous and hates the wicked.

Because of his goodness, God has anointed the king over his companions. So, what is the writer of Hebrews doing with this? Where is this referring to Jesus Christ?

Is the Messiah only in the place of the king here? So God anointed him above his companion. That fits in the theme of exaltation. But if that were the case why quote the rest of it?.

I think the writer is doing something more dramatic. He has already equated Christ with YHWH in the earlier references so it makes sense to do that again here..

Yes Christ is the anointed King exalted above all, but also, he is the righteous God whose throne is forever who reigns is righteousness. That’s the whole point he’s making. BEING CAREFUL NOT TO DEMINISH THE distinctions within the TRINITY - the FATHER AND SON are distinct yet they are ONE GOD.

So the images of God’s rule are also rightly applied to CHRIST. So, the writer is finding Christ in every aspect of this Psalm, the Son of God reigns gloriously over all. And in his humanity he is now exalted above every angel!

The second reference emphasizes…

B) Christ’s Eternal Reign

Psalm 102:25–27 (ESV) — 25 Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, 27 but you are the same, and your years have no end.

Here there is no question, the writer is applying this psalm, written about YHWH and applying it to Christ. YHWH laid the foundation of the world, through the Son. The heavens are the works of his hands!!

His reign will never fail, His rule will never fade. The world wears out, it changes, he can roll it up.

But he never changes. He is the same, his years never end! He is unchanging and unchangeable. He is the great I AM, who was the instrument of creation at the beginning and will be the instrument of judgement at the end.

And he will be the same in the new creation. We change – he does not. He is eternal. He is the glorious King!

and when he says he will never leave us nor forsake us, that he will be with us till the end, that is literal. His perfect, glorious reign, is forever. He is reigning now!

He rules now with the Father and his rule will never change. He won’t grow old, or tired or distracted. His years have no end, he is the EVERLASTING GOD and KING of KINGS, LORD of LORDS.

There is no equal, there is no competitor to his greatness, there is no one close!

III. CONCLUSION

Hebrews 1:13–14 (ESV) — 13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Here is the concluding contrast. Jesus Christ rules – Angels minister for the sake of his people!

That’s a little new addition here. This has all been about Christ and his glory but at the end, the writer is reminding us, Christ has purposed to use his glory and power for the good of his people for all who love him!! we see that in two ways.

1) Completed Work of Salvation in Christ’s Exaltation

Psalm 110:1 (ESV) — 1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

This Psalm of David is looking ahead to his greater Son enthroned forever! Christ is enthroned because his work of salvation is complete. This same text is referenced by Peter in Acts 2:

Acts 2:32–36 (ESV) — 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Christ has ascended and the Spirit has been given. Salvation is complete. IT IS GOOD NEWS that CHRIST HAS BEEN EXALTED.

Jesus said It is far better that I go away, FAR BETTER – now he is enthroned and he is building his church and completing his purposes. That is where he should be and we are the better for it!

Trust in him. he rules, he is enthroned, he was not defeated but by enduring death and judgment, he has accomplished salvation for all who will come and rest in him.

So trust him! Rest in Him!! this is the good news! Jesus is exalted and shares his glory with all his people!

2) Christ’s Ministers Are Still Working for His People

He has all his spiritual ministers, doing his will and what is his will? That they serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.

When Jesus says in John 10 he says these great words…

John 10:28–30 (ESV) — 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

We often don’t think big enough. We are focused rightly on Christ and the Father – but what we’re being reminded of here is that God uses his ministers, his angels as part of his work.

God is keeping his people and part of his power is employed through his angels.

This is just another layer of wonder for us, to see the greatness of our salvation and the grandness of God’s purpose and commitment to save. God will keep you, his power is employed to keep you, his servants are surrounding you holding you up, ministering to you.

This is just another display of God’s great love. Christ says to his ministers, “go servants and tend to my sheep.” To you. in your sin and failure, in our struggle and suffering when we’re hurt, when we’ve hurt others, when we’re tempted!

His minsters are still serving for our sake.

What a wonder! What a privilege. Our awe should grow and grow. This is the great love of God for us in Jesus Christ. He accomplished salvation, he calls into his family and he sends his servants to minister to us!

If you do not yet know Jesus, now is the time, don’t stand outside looking in and wondering. what would it be like to have that life and love - ministering spirits - all working for your good? Come in!! COME IN!!

God sends his messengers to the highways and byways – urging all to come – come broken, come needy, come sinners come and see! Jesus Died, so you might live! Come and believe! HE IS THE GLORIOUS KING!

Come Believe on Him and Live!

PRAY

SING – Behold the Lamb

We are One in Christ. One Body

1 Corinthians 10:16–17 (ESV) — 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

Family we are ONE in CHRIST HOLY and BELOVED! This table shows us the love of God in Christ,

Here Christ accomplished his salvation for his people, in order to make us one holy church! And here is the proof of God’s unfailing commitment to build us up in Christ!

So, the Supper is a time to EVALUATE and CELEBRATE.

We evaluate ourselves, we see our need for change, we have sin, we have failed. We have not loved God as we ought. We have not trusted in Christ – trying to earn our own way. We have been often too lazy, waiting for God to do the work that he has called us to do, making excuses for ourselves.

In repentance, then we turn to find help. And at the table we remember, there is boundless help for us in Christ Jesus. There is help, so we CELEBRATE! WE REJOICE We are not defeated, we are victorious in Christ. We are at PEACE!! We are not BEYOND GOD’s Power to change! so from that GOSPEL Power we move forward together in peace, for the glory of God.

THIS is for DISCIPLES of CHRIST

“Our understanding of being a disciple of Christ in the New Testament is one who has been transformed through FAITH in Christ, has been baptized into Christ and into his church, and continues to be committed to and serving CHRIST in the body of Christ – a local church. The Lord’s Supper is the fellowship meal for the covenant family of Jesus Christ.”

For those who are not Christians, and this is not for you. This is not for you, you have said no to this, with your life. No to this community, no to Christ. but this SALVATION is for you, Jesus is for you! You’ll see the emblems passing you by… don’t let salvation pass you by again. Make no more excuses, take hold of Christ and live!

Children – boys and girls. I know some of you are believing on Christ, as you wait to take that public step of baptism, and openly commit to be a disciple of Christ, it is good for you to wait to take the Lord’s Supper. For you, feed on Christ as this passes you by, think to yourself, I won’t let this day pass me by without Christ, and call out to him, and then turn and follow Jesus. I know your mom and dad would be delighted to talk with you about what that might look like. Believe on Jesus and live.

BREAD

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 (ESV) — 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

CUP

1 Corinthians 11:25–26 (ESV) — 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

731 Doxology

2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV) — 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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